Malaysia: Myanmar leadership 'more open' to suggestions

Mohamad told Malaysia's parliament that he met with Myanmar's Foreign Affairs Minister Tin Maung Swe in Naypyitaw last month. During the meeting, they discussed progress on the "five-point consensus," a peace plan agreed upon by Myanmar's former military rulers and the ASEAN bloc after a 2021 coup sparked a nationwide rebellion.

Mohamad also raised other critical issues, including the release of political prisoners and efforts to address the large number of ethnic Rohingya refugees from Myanmar residing in Malaysia.

"I see that the Myanmar side this time seemed more open to the suggestions that were expressed compared to our previous interaction, when Malaysia was the chair of ASEAN last year," he stated.

The peace plan has largely been unsuccessful, as the military regime has been unwilling to engage in dialogue with opponents it labels as "terrorists."

Mohamad added that ASEAN leaders have instructed the bloc's foreign ministers to find collaborative approaches with Myanmar on implementing the peace plan, which could include potential modifications to its terms. "If we need to adjust, we will adjust but it will need to be approved by all the ASEAN leaders before any changes," he said.